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Levin Floor Statement on H.R. 5452

Jun 22, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) today delivered the following remarks on the House Floor on H.R. 5452, a bill that would ensure benefits received under an Indian Health Service (IHS) or tribal medical care program does not disqualify taxpayers from HSA eligibility:

(Remarks as delivered)

“Mr. Speaker, currently contributions to a Health Savings Account may only be made when an account owner is enrolled in a high deductible health plan. Additionally, the account owner may not be eligible for other health coverage that is not a high deductible health plan.

“This bill would make sure that receiving benefits under an Indian Health Service or tribal medical care program does not disqualify a taxpayer from HSA eligibility. Furthermore, under this bill, the taxpayer would still have to be covered by a high deductible health plan to be able to receive or make HSA contributions.

“It is unclear how big of a problem this currently is across the country, particularly in Indian Country. I have made it clear that HSAs and high deductible plans move our country in the wrong direction, away from affordable and comprehensive health care coverage. But I don’t think individuals covered through IHS or tribal medical care programs should be forced to forgo one insurance or the other.”